October 2026 | Vol. 22 Iss. 10
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South Jordan
Marching to Pearl Harbor
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South Jordan hosts 9/11 Project in remembrance of the day the world stood still By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
F
or the past five years, the 9/11 Project has featured an immersive timeline of the terrorist attacks that rocked our country on Sept. 11, 2001. Jennie Taylor, president and CEO of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, created the exhibit in remembrance of that day, of the thousands of lives that were lost in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, as well as in the years since. This year, the project’s museum was held at the USU Bastian Agricultural Center in South Jordan. For five days, over 30,000 visitors of all ages and backgrounds toured the exhibit, which showcased photos, videos and exhibits of that day and the aftermath for those cities and our country. Volunteers shared first-hand experiences and perspectives of Sept. 11. “This project is not just about remembering the past but also about inspiring a legacy of service and unity for the future,” Taylor said. Along with her members of the Foundation, she assembled hundreds of volunteers to curate, display and help conduct the displays throughout the self-guided walking tour of the exhibit. A number of local
businesses sponsored the exhibit, which was free to the public. South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey, who was constantly speaking with and hearing stories from visitors to the exhibit, including several who were in New York City on the day of the attacks, was thrilled the event came to her city. “I’ve been working to bring this to South Jordan for five years,” Ramsey said, “and we are grateful that USU donated this space for our use. We’re really proud to have somewhere that people can go to commemorate and to remember that day, and it’s a privilege to be part of this. The Foundation is a very patriotic organization based on the principles that are foundational to America.” Organizers were thrilled that thousands of students from local schools came to the exhibit on field trips. Four school districts in the Salt Lake Valley brought fifth, eighth and 11th graders who were in U.S. History classes to the exhibit. Ramsey said she was particularly pleased they showed reverence Jennie Taylor, president and CEO of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, and South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey, welcomed thousands of visitors to the 9/11 Project held Sept. 10-14 in
Continued on page 6 South Jordan. (Photo courtesy of Dawn Ramsey)
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October 2026 | Page 3
COMMON GROUND
A Vote of Confidence
Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together. For two years, I’ve worried that the president will interfere with, postpone or even cancel the midterm elections, although that’s never happened in the history of our country. But before we go all Y2K on this election and panic-buy underground bunkers, let’s talk about how Utah is handling this situation. Contrary to what cable news would have you believe, the president does not oversee America’s elections. State officials handle that, and Utah has done a phenomenal job. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson serves as the state’s chief election officer, earning a badge of courage as she stands against an administration demanding our voting rolls. It’s been refreshing to see someone in Utah’s leadership tell the president “No.” While the president continues to bang the “Stolen Election” drum (which is ironic since his administration was in charge during 2020), he says election integrity is a thing of the past. So what is election integrity?
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Peri Kinder
Common Ground
Has it gone the way of the pterodactyl? Here’s the Election Integrity Checklist. • Eligible voters cast a vote. • Ineligible votes are disregarded. • Ballots are secured. • Votes are accurately counted in a transparent process. This leads to an outcome we have to abide by, even if the results don’t turn out the way we’d like. Election integrity is NOT about making the voting process so cumbersome that it limits how many people can cast a ballot. There are some people who love going to their local polling place, casting a vote and getting their “I Voted” sticker. There are also people who can’t make it to a polling location. Maybe because of work schedules, maybe they’re caring for family members, maybe they’ve lived in an underground bunker since the Y2K scare.
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The point is, Utah’s vote-bymail process has gone swimmingly well. Mail-in voting doesn’t favor any one party; in fact, it gives more people a voice. Isn’t that what we want? I’d rather have an election with massive participation, even if my candidate loses. Isn’t that better than one side that wins because people couldn’t vote? But the federal government is acting like we’re handing out voting ballots willy-nilly, like Oprah giving away pajama sets at Costco. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would require voters to show proof of citizenship when voting, which you can’t do with a mail-in ballot. A federal judge blocked the president’s executive order that created a plan to regulate mail-in ballots. Now the administration, the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Supreme Court are in a race against time to change the mail-in ballot system. What could possibly go wrong? All of the president’s policies have gone off without a hitch. Right? Republican leaders make it
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sound like elections are being bombarded by illegal votes, but a Utah audit found nearly 100% of voters were U.S. citizens. Out of 2,069,640 voter records reviewed, 27 alleged noncitizen voters were found. That’s 0.0013%, for all you math nerds. Elections don’t belong to the president. They don’t belong to Republicans or Democrats. They don’t belong to cable news, TikTok influencers or the guy on Facebook who shares questionable memes. Elections belong to us: We the People. Election integrity boils down to this: protect the right to vote and ensure ballot security. We don’t want ineligible people to vote, but we also don’t want to make the process impossible for eligible voters. The system has worked for 250 years. Throughout this country’s history, no U.S. election has been postponed or cancelled nationwide. But the president’s interference implies you don’t have to cancel an election if you get to choose the voters.
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continued from front page during their visits. “They were very quiet for the most part,” she said. “They sensed that this is a sacred, reverent place. They saw men and women wiping away tears, and they talked to so many of our volunteers who had stories about that day, particularly those who were in or from New York City.” There was a Community Resource Fair on site, a
space connecting the public with local service groups, volunteer organizations and charities. Local first responders and military personnel had displays at the exhibit, and a Children’s Corner was set up where families could create thank-you cards for active-duty service members and local first responders. The exhibit was extensive and visitors took their time to walk it. Ramsey said she hoped people would leave with very full hearts, and perhaps uplifting thoughts for the future.
“It’s a powerful reminder of a period unlike any other in my lifetime,” she said. “Things are very divided today, and people view that as a bad thing, an ‘us versus them’ thing. But we can remember how as a nation we came together on September 12th that year. We were one, ready to stand together in defense of our nation, and none of our other differences mattered. This exhibit is a tender reminder of how much we have and how much people have given to ensure that we have it.”l
For five days, over 30,000 visitors of all ages and backgrounds toured the exhibit, which showcased photos, videos and exhibits of that day and the aftermath for those cities and our country. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
An American flag hangs outside the agricultural center in South Jordan for the 9/11 Project. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
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A how-to on getting homeownership-ready for first-timers
Award-winning realtor from South Jordan, Chrisanne Sueltz lays out a guide for first-time homebuyers, from dreaming to signing and beyond. By Anna Nielsen a.nielsen@mycityjournals.com
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hrisanne Sueltz was first known in Draper for her salon, Studio 603, which she owned for 23 years. The granddaughter of early Draper farmers Harmon and Phoebe Day, Sueltz purchased the prairie-style bungalow her great-grandfather Elias John had built in the 1920s. Per the Draper City website’s page, she “lovingly renovated it, and relocated her salon to the charming house. She won a Draper City award for Outstanding Adaptive Reuse of the historic property. Unfortunately, the bungalow was torn down in 2017.” Sueltz’s story as a realtor starts around this time. She says, “I came into the real estate world later in life after owning the salon for decades. When the opportunity came to sell it, I wanted to become a realtor because I’d always been fascinated with it, and it’s another relationship-based business, like the salon. I really am a people person.” Now a decade into her journey, Sueltz describes her current work as “concierge real estate: a start-to-finish, step-by-step, lotsof-questions-answered process. No question is dumb, because most people are unaware what all it takes to buy a home, so you educate your buyers, making people feel important, valued and respected.” Sueltz loves working with first-time homebuyers in particular, though they need extra education and can feel stressed to start. “First-time homebuyers are often my kids’ age, so I have a soft spot for them. I want to help them get excited instead of scared. And they really are so excited to build equity, to fix things up, to jump in and start painting or building a fence. The new world they’re entering helps them feel empowered to make a big financial investment for their future.” Measures Sueltz outlines in preparing for this investment are: no big purchases immediately prior— don’t buy a new car; keep your debt to income ratio below 43% and get your debt down on car payments, credit cards, student loans, etc.; and have an emergency fund built using the 3-3-3 rule of 3 months of expenses saved, 3 months mortgage, and 3 properties compared before you make an offer. Moreover, she says “Don’t think you need the ideal dream house to start out, you can make it your own. Focus on starting and setting yourself up for your future.” After preparing, Sueltz states “The first step is speaking with a lender to pre-qualify. It doesn’t need to be daunting. There are great people out there who take the time to help you understand the process.” Lenders can recommend options to save on your down payment, like Utah Housing
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money, there are going to be repairs that are going to come up. Have a nest egg ready to keep your house in good shape.” Most important of all is to shop for a home that aligns with your budget, she says. This can extend the process, and you may have to look beyond the exact area you hope for, but you should “always expand your search before you increase your budget. If you have a 10-item wish list, maybe we can hit the 3 most important. Stay open-minded and realistic.” From the time your finances are ready, it typically takes 3-6 months, but sometimes it takes a year to find the right place. Sueltz adds that if you’re curious to talk to a lender, it’s never too soon. You can talk to a lender about prequalifying, but “they shouldn’t pull your credit until you’re ready to qualify and get a loan.” Overall, the process takes time, so she says to proceed with patience and get as much information and education as possible before jumping in. Sueltz ends by sharing that though prices are high, there are still good opportunities to be found, and there remains an unmatched Chrisanne Sueltz (right) and partner Shelly Vardakis (left) of SV Realty Group pose for a enthusiasm that a first-time homebuyer brings. picture. (Photo contributed) “When I can take some of that stress off so they can keep all the excitement, I find it very Corporation loans, if you qualify for the you can so you have a clear picture of the rewarding. It’s why I do what I do. Helping mortgage. Grants may be available through a house and how much you need to put away people realize their dream of homeownership city or county as well. The cities of SLC and for repairs before you buy. Every house costs is the best feeling in the world.” l WVC have $5,000 grants, but different cities’ grants vary. Some don’t require repayment if you live on the property for at least five years. The Salt Lake Board of Realtors Charity Committee has the $10,000 American Dream Grant, and banks and credit unions have their own first-time homebuyer assistance. Other options like a Federal Housing Authority loan exist for putting 3% down. “You don’t have to have a 20% downpayment, but it might save you on $150 a month mortgage insurance,” says Sueltz. She advises to find a mortgage lender who gives a quote on a payment that you’re comfortable with. “What you qualify for is sometimes more than you want to go for, and you don’t want to start comparing to something that’s out of reach or have an overwhelming payment.” In addition to talking to a lender to prequalify and explore loans and grants, free homebuyer classes exist online and throughout the state. Once first-time homebuyers have determined their budget and are ready to begin looking, Sueltz says “You need a team of people behind you that are very, very knowledgeable to steer you along the process. After a good lender, having a good realtor who’s experienced with first-timers is invaluable. Get someone to negotiate on your behalf for seller-paid closing costs: you may have money for a down payment, but closing costs are another 2% to 4% on top of that. Next, an excellent home inspector. Find out everything
October 2026 | Page 7
South Jordan has a winning dance school
Dedicated dancers find success as seven place in top three at regionals. By Laura S. Crapo l.crapo@mycityjournals.com
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he City of South Jordan is known for its love of the arts. Now the city’s depth and unique offerings have been expanded. The Crane Highland Dance School moved to South Jordan in January of this year. It had been operating in Taylorsville for over 12 years. They have about 40 students that come from many different areas around Utah to attend classes. Many of their students are drawn to highland dance because of a cultural and ancestral connection to Scottish roots, families and histories. “I got into highland dance for similar reasons. My mom was a dancer and on top of styles she had danced, she looked for something with a family connection,” Owner and Director of the Crane Highland Dance School Kelsey Deklerk said. “I took over from Heather Overright, who still teaches classes in Riverton. Heather helped me to build a love for dance, but also trained me to become a successful competitor myself, and then eventually a teacher, as well as a judge. I’ve been involved in highland dance in these three various capacities for 30 years.”
Crane highland school dancers in their traditional Scottish costumes. (Photo credit Crane Highland Dance School)
Deklerk, who still goes by Crane Deklerk in the dance world, works with other teachers as well. Some of her students attend additional classes with Erin Gunn in Tooele, and Heather McLean of North Salt Lake—who was one of Deklerk’s students that went on to earn
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her teaching credentials as well. Dancers usually have more of a commute required to take highland dance compared to some other styles of dance. This specific genre of dance results in a tight-knit community. The teachers really work together to provide the most robust possible instruction
within their given schedules. “I am also an educator outside of dance. I was an elementary teacher for many years and after earning my doctorate degree I went on to teach college. So dance is outside of my full time profession,” Deklerk said. “However, much of my drive and determination in my own education and profession were skills that I learned through dance- perseverance, expression, resolve, and things like seeing how my commitment directly correlated to my growth and outcomes. I find this to be one of the biggest reasons I continue to teach, and what makes dance so rewarding.” The Crane dancers have to mirror this work ethic. They have to first qualify at a regional level to even compete in the U.S. Championships. Seven of their dancers placed in the top three of all dancers in the region which includes Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. So they’ve all accomplished a huge achievement. These Crane dancers, outside of dance results, are genuinely successful, dedicated and hard working people in their individual ways and that is a special feeling for Deklerk. “I get to support dancers in keeping that motivation alive, and in turn, they get to experience the reward of seeing their hard work and commitments pay off.” l
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These superintendents have their own ‘School of Rock’
The Superintendents of Rock+ are finding friendship, community and fun through music and members are ready to take their show to the next invitation By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
S
chool superintendents aren’t usually known for shredding guitars, but Anthony Godfrey is happy to change that. Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey joined the Superintendents of Rock+, which recently performed at a new districtwide teacher training at Bingham High School, trading the usual superintendent duties for a guitar, a microphone and a chance to make music with friends. Godfrey first picked up the guitar while he was teaching and has been playing ever since. “I love music so I started taking lessons when I started teaching years ago and I’ve played since then,” he said. “I haven’t gotten any better, but I have kept playing.” The band itself has been around for more than a decade. After it stopped around COVID-19, it was reformed with new members, including Godfrey. Today the “+” in Superintendents of Rock+ is important because the group isn’t limited to superintendents. “We like to involve family members,” Godfrey explained, adding it makes the group feel less like a bunch of busy school administrators and more like a musical family. Godfrey’s son, Thomas, a Bingham High senior, plays drums. Juab Superintendent Kodey Hughes is part of the group alongside his wife, Jodie, a teacher who plays piano. Former Box Elder Superintendent Steve Carlsen performs as does his son, Kip, also an educator, and his grandson, Dylan. Greg Thornock, Tintic School District superintendent, rounds out the group. Getting everyone together isn’t easy, but they make it happen. “We have to plan to get everybody together, but we make it a priority,” Godfrey said. Sometimes that means combining practices with family gatherings. Recently, Godfrey hosted band members and their families for a cookout – and rehearsal. Godfrey believes it’s a good mix as music is about connection. He believes music has an important place in schools and communities. The band regularly performs at school events, teacher celebrations, fundraisers, conferences and community events. They’ve played locally and across Utah and enjoy being part of the events rather than the headliner. “Our favorite performances are where they’re doing something else at the same
Superintendents of Rock+ recently performed at a new districtwide teacher training at Bingham High School, and regularly have performed at other events around Utah. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
time so we’re the background music,” Godfrey said. “So if they’re walking around at the fall family fair or if they’re eating and we play a song that resonates with them, they sit up and say, ‘Oh yeah, I like this one. I know it’ and we see them following along.” Lena Johnson, a new Jordan District teacher who was eating her lunch while the
group performed, appreciated seeing the lighter side of her superintendent. “You don’t always get to see that side of your superintendent,” she said. “It was fun to see him cut loose and let his hair down.” The band mixes generations. Their repertoire includes Elvis’ “Don’t Be Cruel” to classic rock favorites to newer songs such as
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One Direction’s “Best Song Ever.” “We span 60 years of popular music,” said Godfrey, who frequently is seen enjoying concerts from Stray Cats to They Might Be Giants. The group’s relaxed approach is part of its appeal for this group of educators. Godfrey keeps a cheat sheet nearby — not because he doesn’t know the words, but because it gives him confidence on stage if he forgets a chord. “Getting some help is what education is all about,” he said. If an invitation ever comes to take the Superintendents of Rock+ beyond Utah, even to the national stage, they’re ready to consider it. “We’d love to if the logistics can be worked out,” Godfrey said. Toward the end of the performance, Bingham student leaders were dancing to the beat. “I’m loving the music,” said studentbody officer and junior Daniel Linde. “It brings a great atmosphere and we’re able to see a different face of the superintendent and connect with him.” When asked for an encore at the performance, the band politely declined. “This way, we leave you wanting more,” Godfrey explained to the crowd. “By calling it Superintendents of Rock+, we lower expectations. So, if we can pull it off, we’re exceeding expectations.”l
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Two South Jordan teachers recognized for creating opportunities
Witt-Roper and Grimshaw don’t just teach; they open doors. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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wo South Jordan teachers were among 20 top educators recognized this summer for the difference they make in the lives of students. Diane Witt-Roper, a fifth-grade South Jordan Elementary teacher, and Camille Grimshaw, an American Academy of Innovation visual arts teacher, received the 2026 Honors in Education awards through first lady Abby Cox’s Show Up for Teachers Initiative. The educators were recognized at a gala at the Grand America Hotel, where recipients received glass awards, gift cards and videos highlighting their work. Witt-Roper’s honor highlighted her work with student musicals and the “We the People” civics program. “It was a fun evening and an honor to be recognized amongst the top 20 educators in the state,” she said. The award follows Witt-Roper’s dedication to give students opportunities to tackle ambitious projects. Many of her elementary musicals have each involved more than 100 students, with every third- to sixth-grade child welcome in the productions. This past spring, she directed her final
South Jordan Elementary teacher Diane Witt-Roper, right, is joined in the 2026 Honors in Education awards by Gov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox along with Witt-Roper’s sister, Linda Hanks, left. (Photo courtesy Diane Witt-Roper)
school musical, “The Little Mermaid,” choosing to step away from the demanding productions so she can spend time continuing other projects, such as “We the People” while introducing new school programs, such as a Veterans Day program. “Choosing between good things is the hardest choice we make in this life,”
Witt-Roper said. Grimshaw also was surprised to be selected. She was recognized for her work as an educator and as a practicing artist. “I was surprised and humbled to be the only visual arts teacher who was recognized,” she said. Grimshaw, who has accumulated more
than 90 awards for her artwork, also has been recognized for teaching. This year, she was named Brigham Young University’s David O. McKay School of Education Outstanding Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Legacy Award. Grimshaw has spent five years building opportunities for AAI students. She started a ceramics program, expanded drawing and painting offerings, launched a middle school art class and helped establish an annual art night which includes a chalk art contest. She also brought the Sterling Scholar program to the school. Last year’s AAI visual arts Sterling Scholar became a state semifinalist. Grimshaw encourages students to enter exhibitions and competitions so they can experience what it means to put their work before an audience. “It doesn’t matter that you’re younger; you can do these things,” she tells her students. This year, Grimshaw plans to guide her advanced ceramics students through a project creating five- to six-foot-tall ceramic sculptures that can be displayed in public spaces. Both teachers said the statewide honor isn’t a finish line, but rather another motivation to keep creating opportunities for students. “It confirms you never peak; you just keep going,” Grimshaw said. “There’s always something more you can do.”l
What Should You Look for in a Dog Daycare? EDUCATION MATTERS
When choosing a dog daycare, it’s important to look for more than just a place for your pup to play. You want an environment that prioritizes education, safety, socialization, and exercise. When many people think about dog daycare, they picture dogs simply running around and playing all day. While play is certainly part of the experience, quality daycare environments should also provide opportunities for dogs to learn healthy social skills and positive play behaviors.
The goal of daycare should not simply be exhaustion, it should be balanced socialization, education, exercise, safety, and fun.
Just like people, dogs communicate through body language. In a structured daycare environment, dogs should be encouraged when displaying polite, healthy play behaviors and gently redirected when interactions become too rough, overstimulating, or impolite. Over time, this helps dogs build better social confidence and safer play habits with other dogs.
A good daycare environment also allows dogs the freedom to simply “be dogs.” Barking, playing, wrestling appropriately, exploring, and interacting with their BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever) are all natural and important parts of healthy socialization. Dogs thrive when they have safe opportunities to interact, burn energy, and engage their minds in positive ways. In addition to social play, many daycare environments incorporate enrichment activities throughout the day. These may include
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scent-based activities, simple problem-solving exercises, bubbles, splash pads, agility items, or other experiences designed to provide mental stimulation and variety. However, it is equally important that dogs are not constantly overstimulated. Dogs also benefit from time to use their own imagination, create their own games, and naturally interact with their environment and friends.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT where your dog can socialize,
learn positive play behaviors, and make some BFFFs of their own, schedule a Meet & Greet today to see if daycare may be a good fit for your pup. Learn more at: www.dogtopia.com/location-finder
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The “Dapple Grays” of Monte Vista took their running seriously as they were the fastest group all school year. (Photo courtesy Kelly Nielsen)
Dapple Grays gallop into Monte Vista’s record book Monte Vista students aren’t just running laps; they’re learning to pace themselves, push one another and have fun doing it.
some of last year’s first-graders. Set by PE specialists, the challenge asks students to run as many 50-yard laps as they can for four minutes. Students by grade level are divided into random groups, each named after a horse. Their total laps are then averaged. By Julie Slama Last year, the first-grade “Dapple Gray” j.slama@mycityjournals.com herd made history in the three-year tradition. Last fall, Dapple Grays averaged 13.6 school-wide challenge has been set for laps, more than all the leaders of other Monte Vista students and it was set by grades. In the winter, they improved their
A
average to 14.07 laps. Then in the spring, they ran even more — averaging 14.3 laps — to be the first herd to improve and lead the school the entire year, said PE Specialist Katie Caldwell. “They learned to pace themselves and found the joy in running,” she said. Colleague Kelly Nielsen said the Dapple Grays were especially excited to run. “When they came, they’d cheer each other on and push themselves; it was
impressive,” she said. “One cute girl was exhausted, but she didn’t want to walk because she didn’t want to let down her teammates. This group really bought into it more than any other.” Nielsen said students learn about heart rates, building muscle and the importance of exercise. “It’s a fun, friendly school competition that challenges them and makes them hearthealthy,” she said. l
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Daybreak students celebrate hands-on learning at STEAM Fest
Families get a glimpse of the school’s STEAM Explorer program, which empowers student choice and learning. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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t Daybreak Elementary, learning doesn’t always look like sitting at a desk. Sometimes it looks like building a floating structure, designing something to be cut with a laser, experimenting with popcorn or digging for a fossil. Those hands-on experiences were part of the school’s recent STEAM Fest, a community night that drew about 400 students, parents and family members to celebrate science, technology, engineering, art and math. Principal Leslie Ewell said the event grew out of the school’s STEAM Explorer program, which empowers students in first through sixth grades to select what they want to learn. During three four-week rounds throughout the school year, students select from project-based STEAM units created by teachers. Students attend their chosen class once a week for about 45 minutes, then select a different experience for the next round. “The kids really love having a choice,”
Daybreak Elementary recently hosted a STEAM Fest, which featured hands-on learning. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Ewell said. “They like going to different teachers.” That enthusiasm carried over to STEAM Fest. Teachers showcased projects from the school’s STEAM Explorer rounds, giving families a chance to experience the activities alongside their children. Activities ranged from beadwork to a “Will It Float?” experiment in which students used materials such as popsicle sticks
to design structures and test whether they would float. Students also explored laser cutting, nutrition and the chemical changes involved in cooking popcorn. A dinosaur-themed display featured fossil-making and excavation activities. Students also were able to take their creations home, including artwork and pieces made through the laser-cutting activity. The Utah Energy Coalition offered
hands-on energy experiments while the school’s PTA helped make the evening possible through a grant focused on digital literacy. The grant helped provide dinner and approximately $700 in prizes for students who completed a STEAM Fest passport by visiting activity stations. The PTA also hosted a presentation about students and cellphones, discussing the pros and cons of giving a child a phone and considerations for families and schools. Ewell said the evening, which she anticipates will become an annual event, reinforced an important message: learning can be enjoyable, and students should have opportunities to make choices about what they learn. “I want them to experience making choices in their learning through our STEAM Explorer program,” Ewell said. “When they have a choice, they are more engaged.” Daybreak’s program began as a pilot in spring 2023 and after seeing how students and teachers responded, the school expanded the program. The goal, Ewell said, is simple: give every child the opportunity to discover something that sparks curiosity. “It’s been really fun to see them excited about learning,” she said. “It’s been great for our kids.” l
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October 2026 | Page 13
Bingham High Theatre builds something bigger
Every theatre has its next act and at Bingham, this one comes with Shakespeare, tap dancing, puppetry and growing a sense of legacy. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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t Bingham High School, the stage is set and the script is anything but predictable. This season, theatre students will tap dance, dive into Shakespeare, animate giant puppets, improvise onstage and learn how to lead productions of their own. For theatre teachers Dave Martin and Chris Hults, variety is part of what makes the program special — and part of its steady growth. This year’s Shakespeare showcase takes a new approach, with every piece drawn from “King Lear.” Last year’s showcase presented five pieces as one continuous story, an approach, Hults said, the audiences enjoyed. This year, he decided to stay with the format. “‘King Lear’ has something for everybody,” said Hults, who is directing the show. “It’s a huge cast with three different plot lines.” Bingham’s Shakespeare Showcase was designed to give audiences a preview of the school’s Shakespeare competition entries
before 30 students headed to the 50th annual Utah Shakespeare High School Festival’s high school competition in Cedar City. The fall musical, “Anything Goes,” will bring a lively energy to the stage. Martin is directing the Cole Porter comedy, which will feature plenty of dancing, a romantic love triangle and a pit performance by the jazz band. “It’s a big tap show, it’s a comedy and it’s a fun love story,” Martin said. Before the musical’s auditions, about 70 students expressed interest, with many students participating in seven tap clinics. More clinics are planned under dance teacher and choreographer Gina Terrell. In February, Hults will direct “The Woodsman,” a show that pushes students well outside the traditional boundaries of high school theatre. The production combines physical theatre and puppetry. “We alternate between heavy drama and light comedy,” Hults said. “We did ‘Much Ado’ last year, which is light comedy. So, we’re doing heavy drama this year. But we’re also concentrating on puppetry and physical theater.” Students will learn to operate multi-person puppets, a demanding skill that requires concentration and teamwork. “Two years ago, we had a puppet in ‘A Monster Calls’ and it was challenging for the students. This one’s going to be more
so,” Hults said. The musical theatre class will perform “Sister Act” in the round. Martin has a personal connection to the show, having previously performed in it and music directed it. “It has a great message, great music, like the movie, but better,” he said. Beyond the main productions, Bingham’s theatre students will compete in region and state one-act competitions and present 10 student-directed one-acts during the senior showcase. Many of the one-acts will be written by Theatre III students and directed by Theatre IV students. Additionally, an improvisation team will perform monthly shows. The program is advised by Bingham alumnus Ben Larson, a 2023 Bingham graduate who continues to perform with improv groups around the Salt Lake Valley. Theatre leadership is also placing a greater emphasis on service, with the theatre program and the school and then extending to the community through the school’s True Blue fundraiser in December benefiting The Turtle Shelter Project, Make a Wish and Kauri Sue Hamilton School. An October improv show will benefit the Utah Food Bank. For Martin, the program’s progress is not measured by trophies, but by its continued growth.
“We’re an ever-growing, ever-improving program,” he said. “We’re always just looking forward to getting better and being better.” Hults agrees, adding the goal is to build a solid program students can inherit, contribute to and pass on. “We’re teaching them leadership and making an impact on the program,” he said. “We tell them, ‘You’re part of a legacy here. You’re building something that exists beyond you and can benefit the kids beyond you.’” l BINGHAM HIGH THEATRE SEASON • Shakespeare Showcase — 6 p.m., Sept. 29 — Pieces drawn from “King Lear” and renaissance faire • “Anything Goes” — 7 p.m., Nov. 12-14 and Nov. 19-21 • “The Woodsman” — 7 p.m. — Feb. 25-27, 2027 and March 1 • “Sister Act” — 7 p.m., April 28-May 1 • Senior Showcase — 7 p.m. — May 13-14 — Ten student-directed oneact plays performed over two nights • Improv Shows — 7 p.m. — Oct. 16, Nov. 6, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 5, April 9 and May 4 All ticket information is available at BinghamMiners.org. Bingham’s productions are held at 2160 South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan.
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The 101-member Bingham High Marching Miners practice their show before their first competition. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Beyond the Yellow Brick Road: Bingham band heads from competition field to Pearl Harbor This year, the competition schedule started with the championship, this year’s Marching Miners, with a majorBingham High’s 101-member Marching Miners are taking a Wizard of Oz-inspired show to the competition Nebo Tournament of Bands on Sept. 19, with other planned ity of returnees, have plenty of motivation. “We’ve got a good show. We’ve got a good band, and field this fall before representing Utah at the 85th anni- invitationals slated: Bridgerland on Oct. 3, Wasatch Front on Oct. 10, Davis Cup on Oct. 31 and the Utah Red Rocks they’re hungry because of their narrow miss of their third state versary Pearl Harbor parade in Hawaii in December. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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or the Bingham High School Marching Miners, this season is about much more than marching onto a football field. The 101-member band is preparing a colorful production inspired by “The Wizard of Oz,” while also preparing for a December trip to Hawaii where they will represent Utah at the official parade commemorating the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The marching band’s show, “Beyond the Yellow Brick Road,” explores four virtues associated with the beloved “Wizard of Oz” story, said band director Darin Graber. “We’ll be exploring heart, intelligence, home and courage,” said the Kansas native who said brass players represent the Tin Man, woodwinds portray the Cowardly Lion, percussionists are the Scarecrow and the color guard represents Dorothy. The show uses yellow brick road props that move across the field, creating different scenes as the production unfolds. The performers’ costumes also tell the story as they begin in black and white before revealing bright colors connected to the virtues. While there are snippets of familiar “Wizard of Oz” music, the line-up takes unexpected turns with music incorporated from Ozzy Osbourne, Dmitri Shostakovich, Erik Satie and others. “It’s not your typical music for what you would think when you’re thinking ‘Wizard of Oz.’ It’s kind of avantgarde,” said Graber, who works with a five-person design team to build the competitive program. Last year, the Marching Miners missed the 6A state championship by just three-tenths of one point after a close contest with Lone Peak High. Bingham won state championships in 2016 and 2017.
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State Marching Band Championships on Nov. 6. Then the focus shifts from competition to commemoration. In December, about 70 Bingham musicians are expected to travel to Oahu to march one mile through Waikiki, participate in a concert with other parade bands and have an opportunity to perform at the USS Missouri. The group also hopes to visit the USS Utah memorial. The USS Utah was struck by two torpedoes at the onset of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The ship quickly rolled over and sank. Fifty-eight sailors died. The wreck remains in Pearl Harbor. Graber said Bingham’s connection to the USS Utah makes the trip particularly meaningful. The students are studying the history behind the trip, with information and individual remembrances of sailors lost aboard the Utah available through the band’s website. Graber said students will research individual sailors to better understand and remember. The band will perform patriotic music during the parade, including a piece that salutes the military branches. “This is bigger than one state,” he said. “We’re wanting to be cognizant of the sacrifice.” The trip comes with a price tag: approximately $2,890 per student, covering airfare, lodging, meals, historical tours and transportation for instruments and other equipment. Fundraising and corporate sponsorship efforts have been underway to make the experience more affordable. Community members can help by donating or learning more about the trip at binghambands.org. For Graber, the value of being part of marching band extends beyond trophies and performances. “We’re teaching kids life skills through the practice and the performance of music,” he said. “They learn things like working as a team. They learn being part of something bigger than themselves. They learn cooperation. They learn empathy. They learn emotion.” And after coming so close to another state
championship,” Graber said. “It’s going to be fun to watch them develop and do this thing we call marching band.” l
The Bingham High Marching Miners are under the direction of teacher Darin Graber. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
October 2026 | Page 15
Hilltop Gospel Choir Fifth Annual Gospel Music Workshop Gospel Music Workshop with Guest Clinician Reginald Golden Sandy, Utah—September 2026— Registration is now open for the Fifth Annual Gospel Music Workshop hosted by Hilltop Gospel Choir, taking place October 9–11, 2026, at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy, Utah. This year’s featured clinician is REGINALD GOLDEN, acclaimed conductor of the internationally renowned Howard Gospel Choir and an experienced vocalist, educator, and workshop leader. Golden has led performances and masterclasses around the world and has collaborated with celebrated artists including Yolanda Adams, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, and Sounds of Blackness. He has also performed at the White House and served as a cultural ambassador through international gospel tours.
This workshop is an amazing and unique opportunity for community members of all backgrounds and musical ability to experience the profound beauty and joy of Gospel and African American sacred music. During the workshop, participants will develop and expand on their musical skills, but also find connection, healing, and peace through singing and shared purpose. Whether you are an experienced singer or participating in a choir for the first time, this workshop offers an inviting and uplifting environment where each person and voice is valued and celebrated.
What: Gospel Music Workshop hosted by Hilltop Gospel Choir When: Friday, October 9, 2026 6:30–9:30 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (lunch provided) Sunday, October 11, 2026 Worship Service | 10:30 a.m. Sunday October 11, 2026 Concert | 5:00 p.m. Where: Hilltop United Methodist Church 985 E. 10600 S. Sandy, UT 84094 Register: hilltopgospelchoir.org/ gospel-music-workshop/ More Information: info@hilltopgospelchoir.org 801.571.5777 SPONSORED CONTENT
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AAI students turn creativity into a schoolwide celebration
Students showcase everything from chalk art and ceramics to photography, crochet and writing and music. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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t American Academy of Innovation, art recently spilled out of the classroom and into the hallways, sidewalks and even a marketplace as students celebrated the school’s creativity during the school Art Showcase. The event grew from a suggestion by studentbody officer Abby Guymon and support from art teacher Camille Grimshaw into a showcase featuring student artwork, chalk art, choir and rock band performances, a dance concert and an arts market featuring student-made items. Grimshaw said the goal was simple: Give students a chance to see their work as something valuable. “Even if they’re young, their art is valuable,” she said. “They’re artists. They tend to think you have to be an adult to be successful and become an artist. But I tell them, ‘No, you guys are artists, and your arts is meaningful and it’s worth being seen.’” Students could submit work in categories including traditional art, digital art, photography, ceramics and an open “other art” category. That last category can be particularly
A student chalk art festival was part of the American Academy of Innovation schoolwide Art Showcase which featured student artwork, choir and rock band performances, a dance concert and an arts market. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
interesting, Grimshaw said, because students have submitted everything from airbrushed guitars to hand-sculpted fingernails. The show also featured a chalk art competition. Grimshaw invited professional chalk artists, including Sara Nybo, to help judge
the colorful creations and chalk a display. Nybo, who has been creating chalk art for nine years, said judges considered creativity, execution, detail and color. “For me, clean execution and vibrant colors would be far more important than a perfectly proportionate image,” she said. Nybo’s own contribution was a brightly colored frog, selected partly because it was cheerful and recognizable. For sixth-grader Amya Redmiles, the event was an opportunity to turn a hobby into a small business. She sold handmade bracelets and crocheted items, skills she learned from her grandmother about three months ago. “I want to be a fashion designer and run my own business,” she said. Fifteen-year-old Kambree Dalebout also showcased her creativity through writing. She has already self-published two fantasy books, “The Legend of the Topaz Treasure” and “The Northern Light Ice Bridge” and she hopes to publish as many as 10 before graduating high school. “It’s cool to know I’m known to the world,” Dalebout said. “I can look up my name and see the books come up and give a little cheer for my accomplishments. I’m probably going to be a fantasy author my whole life. I just love fantasy. It’s a world you can escape to that gives you lessons for
the real world.” The event confirmed Grimshaw’s belief that the arts teach students lessons. “The arts are valuable because they teach kids creativity, problem solving, being flexible — so many different skills transfer to many different careers,” she said. “We’ve had many students discovering talents and sharing their work; we hope to make the night a tradition.” l AAI ART SHOW AWARD WINNERS Best of Show — Hazel Turner 2D Art — Jaelyn Jones, 1st; Charlotte Sim, 2nd; Kat Cooper, 3rd Ceramics — Cody Fugal, 1st; Abby Korhonen, 2nd; Sam Price, 3rd Digital — Kat Green 1st; Natalie Ngo, 2nd; Daniel Ngo, 3rd Photography — Arabelle Walston, 1st; Kye Martinez, 2nd Open — Abby Guymon, 1st; Amy Flake, 2nd; Abish Long, 3rd Chalk Art — Hazel Turner and Bruin Hansen, 1st; Kit Culbertson, 2nd; Sara and Feliz Talamante, 3rd Honorable awards — Declan Turner, Dresden Stinson, Glory Gleave Jones, Beverly Lofgran
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October 2026 | Page 17
Students celebrate friendship at Unified Sports Day For Jordan School District’s Unified Sports Day’s student-athletes, the biggest victory may have been crossing the finish line together By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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n a field filled with cheers, high-fives and encouragement, Jordan School District students celebrated something bigger than sports: friendship and belonging. Elementary special education students joined their general education peer partners for a day of running, throwing, jumping, cheering and spending time together. The annual event gave students an opportunity to showcase their abilities while surrounded by classmates who encouraged them every step of the way. After each event, athletes received a silicone bracelet with words such as “unified,” “sportsmanship” and “friendship,” which banded the athletes together. Golden Fields fifth-grader Koralee Catmull prepared for the 50-yard dash, softball throw and long jump. “I’ve been running, jumping and throwing, but I like to throw and catch a football best,” she said. She practices with her peer partners, like fifth-grader Hayden Dutson, regularly. “We’ve practiced almost every Friday,” he said. “It’s fun doing this with friends and hanging out.” Harper Sims, another Golden Fields student, said the partnership extends beyond sports. “I like hanging out and helping out,” Harper said. “It’s fun to have friends who have disabilities because everyone’s unique. Koralee loves hugging. We get one every day.
At Jordan School District’s Unified Sports Day, a Daybreak Elementary student takes hold of Riverton High’s Silverwolf to run the 50-yard dash. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
She likes to do makeup, so she does mine and I get to help her with class.” At Daybreak Elementary, sixth-grader Austin Lavulo also appreciated having his buddies alongside him as he prepared for the unified sports day. “We practiced soccer, softball throw, the 50-yard dash and the long jump at PE with our buddies and sometimes, we even played Sharks and Minnows,” he said. “It’s fun to do with buddies because we don’t have to do it by ourselves.” Classmate Connor Lange summed up another benefit of the experience. “It’s fun doing it together because we always have someone to talk to and have fun with,” he said. The format changed in recent years from just special education students competing to having a partner taking part beside them, which both athletes and partners as well
as educators applaud. Riverton Elementary paraeducator Lexi Jensen said the day wasn’t only about giving students a chance to participate, but also to learn from their partners, who offer encouragement and model techniques. “They have a lot of fun being with somebody and seeing how it’s done and are encouraged that way,” she said. Mountain Point Elementary paraeducator Camila Jordan said the peer relationships are an important part of the event. “Students practice with their partners so they could encourage one another and help ensure no athlete felt alone,” she said. The support was visible throughout the day. Many peer students made posters featuring the names of special education athletes and came to cheer them on. “They chant their names, and it’s nice to see them being celebrated,” Jordan said. “They care people are cheering for them.” For Daybreak parent Brittney Shillingburg, the event captures what community can look like when everyone has a place. “We love this,” she said about her son’s second year participating. “He’s got a great friend alongside him. I love the real inclusion of this. Seeing kids play, run, throw and even cheer for each other – it’s a great community.” Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey said the event reflects a core value of the district. “This is an essential element of who we are as a district,” he said. “We want chances for everyone to excel, to be at their best and feel a part of something. This gives students that opportunity.”l
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Page 18 | October 2026
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Could your home be exposing your child to lead? Children can look healthy while lead poisoning quietly causes harm. By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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s public health agencies prepare for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week this fall, Salt Lake County health officials are reminding parents that childhood lead exposure can be difficult to detect and may come from more sources than many families realize. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be observed Oct. 25-31 with the 2026 theme “Keep Kids Safe from Lead.” The annual campaign, coordinated nationally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, emphasizes learning about potential lead hazards, testing children who may have been exposed and identifying lead sources in homes. The issue has particular relevance in Salt Lake County because of the age of some of its housing stock. According to Gabriel Moreno, partnerships manager with the Salt Lake County Health Department, more than 30% of homes in the county were constructed before the federal
government banned consumer use of leadbased paint in 1978. “Many parents assume they’d know if their child had been exposed to lead,” Moreno said. “In reality, kids can look healthy, active and happy while lead quietly affects their learning, behavior and development.” That concern is consistent with CDC guidance. Most children with lead in their blood do not show obvious immediate symptoms, and a blood test is the best way to determine whether exposure has occurred. The CDC says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels have been associated with developmental delays and difficulties with learning, attention and behavior. Older paint remains a well-known potential source, particularly when it deteriorates into chips or dust. However, exposure can also occur through contaminated soil, some plumbing and water fixtures, certain toys and consumer products, and dust created during renovations. Lead can also enter a home indirectly. People working in occupations involving lead can carry contaminated dust home on clothing, shoes, tools or other items. Moreno said jobs such as construction, auto repair and plumbing may present potential
exposure risks. Because symptoms alone are not a reliable indicator, health officials encourage parents who believe their children may be at risk to discuss blood lead testing with a health care provider. “A blood test is the only way to know for sure, and right now, too few children in our community are getting tested,” Moreno said. Medicaid covers blood lead testing for enrolled children, and many private insurance plans also cover testing. Salt Lake County offers free testing to qualifying families. Testing is only part of the county’s prevention effort. When lead is detected in a child’s blood, the Salt Lake County Health Department’s Lead Home Visiting Program can help families identify possible sources and determine ways to reduce further exposure. Qualifying households may also receive assistance through the county’s Lead Safe Housing Program to address lead hazards. The goal, health officials emphasize, is to identify risks before they cause further harm. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week encourages families to learn about lead hazards in their surroundings, consider whether their children should receive a blood lead test and determine whether older homes may contain lead hazards.
Salt Lake County wants families to consider their risk of lead exposure. (Photo courtesy of the CDC)
Salt Lake County residents with questions about testing or lead exposure can call or text the county’s Lead Poisoning Prevention line at 801-382-8877.l
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www.randrbbq.com October 2026 | Page 19
The races you can’t afford to skip: Salt Lake County’s 2026 candidates Three new representatives will join the Salt Lake County Council for 2027. By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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ational and state races may receive most of the political attention this election season, but farther down the November ballot Salt Lake County voters will make decisions about the people who oversee some of the government functions closest to home. Who watches the county’s money? Who administers its elections? Who prosecutes criminal cases? Who oversees the county jail? And who sits on the council that approves the county budget and makes decisions affecting more than a million residents? On Nov. 3, voters will select candidates for four Salt Lake County Council seats as well as county auditor, clerk, district attorney and sheriff. The ballot includes longtime officeholders, former elected officials, attorneys, accountants, law enforcement officers, businesspeople and political newcomers.
Republican Kathleen Anderson, Democrat Zach Robinson, Constitution Party candidate Gregory Beglarian, Forward Party candidate Maleah Bliss Caulford and unaffiliated candidate Olghen Ocean Saintelus are competing for the seat. Anderson is a small-business owner who has lived in Salt Lake County for more than three decades. Robinson has worked as a firefighter and paramedic and served two terms on the Sandy City Council. He holds a master’s degree in public administration and currently works at University of Utah Health. Unlike the three district council races, every Salt Lake County voter will have an opportunity to vote in the at-large A contest.
District 1: Northern Salt Lake County
In County Council District 1, Democratic incumbent Jiro Johnson faces Libertarian Casey Poe. No Republican qualified for the general-election contest. District 1 covers a portion of northern Salt Lake County and includes communities in and around Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and County Council at-large A: A countyWest Valley City. wide choice Johnson, who was appointed, is seeking The largest field is for County Council another term on the nine-member County at-large A, a seat elected by voters through- Council, where council members approve the out Salt Lake County rather than from a par- county budget, adopt ordinances and make ticular council district. policy decisions affecting county services.
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TRUNK TRUNK OR TREAT OR ORTREAT TREAT
The county council will see three members stepping down in 2027: Aimee Winder Newton, Laurie Stringham and Sheldon Stewart.
District 3: Murray, Midvale and central office, serving two terms on the Bluffdale City Council. She advanced to the November eleccounty communities
One of the more locally significant council races is District 3, where voters will choose a successor to Republican Councilmember Aimee Winder Newton. Republican Mike Bird faces Democrat Luke Maynes for the open seat. District 3 encompasses Murray, Taylorsville and Midvale, along with portions of West Jordan and West Valley City, putting the contest before voters across a substantial portion of the central county. Maynes works as a systems analyst and project manager for a technology company, experience that includes examining organizational processes and systems. He also serves as vice chair of a community council in Midvale. Bird has been involved in Republican politics and community activities in the district. Because Winder Newton is not seeking another term, District 3 voters are guaranteed to send a new representative to the County Council.
tion after narrowly defeating Chris Null in the June Republican primary, 51% to 49%. Cimmers is a community advocate who has been involved with issues affecting families and children. Like District 3, District 5 will have a new representative following the election.
County Auditor
For Salt Lake County auditor, voters countywide will choose between two candidates whose professional backgrounds are directly connected to financial oversight. Republican Chris Harding, the incumbent auditor, faces Democrat Ali Cloward. Harding was elected in 2022 and is a certified public accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner. The auditor operates independently from other county offices and conducts audits and investigations involving county finances and operations. Cloward is a director at a national consulting firm and a Certified Internal Auditor. She District 5: Southern Salt Lake County Another open council seat is being con- earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees tested in the rapidly growing southern portion in accounting from the University of Utah and works professionally with organizations on of the county. Republican Traci Crockett faces Demo- internal controls, risk and accountability. crat Sara Cimmers for County Council District 5. The district includes Bluffdale and Riverton County Clerk There is less uncertainty surrounding and portions of Draper, Herriman, South Jorthe race for Salt Lake County clerk, an office dan and West Jordan. Crockett has previously held elected elected countywide. Democratic incumbent
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S outh Jordan City Journal
Lannie Chapman is seeking another term without a Republican challenger.
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District Attorney
One of the county’s most closely watched contests could be the race for Salt Lake County district attorney, another office decided by voters throughout the county. Democratic incumbent Sim Gill faces Republican Kent Davis. Gill has occupied the office since 2010 and has worked as a prosecutor for more than three decades. Before reaching the general election, however, he faced a challenge from within his own party. Assistant Utah Attorney General Shawn Robinson defeated Gill at the Democratic convention, but the nomination proceeded to a primary. Gill prevailed in June with approximately 52% of the vote to Robinson’s 48%. Davis is an attorney who worked as a Salt Lake County deputy district attorney from 2017 to 2021, where his work included felony prosecutions and the creation of the office’s cybercrime prosecution unit. Davis currently works as corporate counsel and director of cybersecurity for Woodbury Corporation. He also served as an Army infantry officer and deployed twice to Iraq.
Sheriff
Democratic Sheriff Rosie Rivera faces Republican Shane Manwaring. Rivera has served as sheriff since 2017. She began her law enforcement career in 1993 and spent more than two decades with the Unified Police Department before becoming sheriff. The office oversees Salt Lake County’s jail system and performs other statutory public-safety responsibilities. Manwaring is a law enforcement officer and military leader with more than two decades of experience. He has served with the Unified Police Department and as a colonel in the Utah Army National Guard, giving voters a contest between two candidates with lengthy careers in public safety.
Important ballot information
The county races will share the Nov. 3 ballot with a number of federal and state contests. Voters can see exactly which candidates and issues will appear on their individual ballot through Utah’s official voter information website, Vote.Utah.gov. The site allows voters to look up their sample ballot, check or update their voter registration, find voting locations and review other election information. Voters can also obtain election information through the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Elections Division at www. saltlakecounty.gov/clerk/elections/. Vote-by-mail will remain available for the 2026 general election. One important change is that mailed ballots must be received by the county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, rather than simply postmarked by the deadline. Utah’s general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. l
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Dear Reader,
The City Journals, a conglomerate of community newspapers, has been bringing your hyperlocal news directly to your mailbox (for free!). That means we are sitting through city council meetings, following school boards and local elections, and covering high school sports, neighborhood issues, new businesses and the people doing interesting things down the street. Hi, I’m Cassie. You’ve likely seen my byline before, or at least flipped through something I’ve reported on. I’m an individual part of the bigger team of writers here who has been bringing you the local news you love. I started at the City Journals in 2015 and, even though an 11-year career may seem like a good chunk of time, it’s nothing in comparison to the rest of our editorial team. Our Salt Lake County Editor, Travis Barton, has been with us for just as long; our Davis editor to the north, Becky Ginos, has been monitoring the pulse of Davis County since the pandemic; and our humorist extraordinaire, Peri Kinder, has been bringing the laughter for decades. For more than 35 years, the City Journals have delivered community newspapers free to readers. Today, our 38 reporters produce roughly 190 to 220 original local stories each month across 15 communities in Salt Lake and Davis counties, each are embedded within the communities we serve. Oh! My colleagues would be upset with me if I didn’t mention the majority of us are award-winning journalists. “It’s amazing how you can turn some handwritten notes into a full, beautiful story,” said our account executive Marc Davis. It’s not unusual for a City Journals reporter to be the only journalist in the room at a local government meeting. That kind of reporting isn’t glamorous, but we think it matters. We want to keep doing that—and do more of it. Like local news organizations everywhere, we’re figuring out how to sustain and expand our reporting as the way people get their news changes. We want to publish more frequently online, spend more time on stories that deserve deeper reporting and continue putting reporters in the rooms where decisions about your community are being made. That takes time and resources. We’re asking readers who find value in the City Journals to consider supporting our work. If one reader in each household contributed even $2 to $5 per month ($24 to $60 per year), it would give us more resources to put directly into local journalism. There’s no paywall attached to this request. We’ll keep delivering the City Journals and reporting the news of our communities. We’re simply asking those who are able—and who believe local reporting is worth having—to help us do more of it. Your support won’t go unnoticed. Because we’re reporters, we think you should know what happens next. As this effort grows, we’ll report back to you about what reader support has allowed us to accomplish. To support your City Journal, visit donate.thecityjournals.com or scan the QR Code on this page. We welcome your direct communication. Please keep talking to us. Tell us what we’re missing. Ask us questions. The relationship between our reporters and the communities they cover is what makes this kind of journalism possible. From the entire City Journals team – With dedication to informing and, most certainly, celebrating our communities, Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
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October 2026 | Page 21
Give people grace
S
eptember 11th marks 15 years since my 57-year-old mom passed away in a car accident. It was the first time I’d ever lost Salt Lake County someone that close to me so suddenly, and Councilmember it was jarring. In the days that followed, I District 3 thought often about how precious life is— and how quickly it can change. My parents were driving down to St. George for a water conference that my dad needed to attend. As they traveled on I-15 near Leeds, a terrible storm came upon them. My brother, Mike, and I drove to St. Their car slid off the road and rolled several times. My mom was killed instantly. My dad George and reached my dad at the hospital survived with only a few bumps and bruises, around 4 a.m. Later, after trying to sleep for a few hours, I awoke hoping it had all been but his heart was broken by the loss.
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a nightmare. Instead, I faced the bitter reality that my mom was gone. We had a funeral to plan and a long road ahead as we helped my dad begin to recover. The first time I went to the grocery store after the funeral, everything felt strangely normal. People wandered the aisles, chatted with one another and went about their errands. Meanwhile, my life had changed. My grief was heavy. I felt broken and numb, still trying to understand how my mom could be here one day and gone the next. I probably looked fine—just like any other shopper. But I was not fine. I share this with you because there are thousands of Utahns going about their lives with heavy hearts. Just because we can’t see their injuries, trauma or sorrow, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Sometimes when we are dealing with heavy burdens, we may not be our best selves. Do you ever see people who seem agitated or just generally grouchy? We never really know what they are going through or the struggles that have been heaped upon them. Recently, I learned of a family grieving the death by suicide of a 14-year-old girl. Her loved ones are devastated and searching for answers. Others in our community are coping with life-threatening illnesses or a new cancer diagnosis. Some are experiencing addiction, mental illness, housing insecurity, domestic violence or abuse. Many are caring for an aging parent, worried about a child, struggling financially or
simply trying to make it through another day. It is so important for us to give people grace. I am reminded of a quote often attributed to author Ian Maclaren: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” We rarely know the whole story of the person in front of us — the coworker who snapped at us, the driver who cut us off, the neighbor who hasn’t returned a wave in weeks. Behind an ordinary Tuesday there might be a diagnosis just received, a marriage falling apart, or a grief that has no expiration date. Fifteen years later, I still miss my mom every day. That loss taught me that kindness costs us nothing, and we never know when it might be exactly what someone needs to keep going. A text to a friend who has gone quiet. A phone call to check on a friend. Patience with the cashier who seems short-tempered, or the driver going too slow. None of us can fix another person’s grief or struggle. But we can meet a stranger’s rough edges with curiosity instead of judgment, and a friend’s silence with a check-in instead of assumption. That is the kind of community I hope we keep building here in Salt Lake County. If you are carrying something heavy right now, please know you are not alone, and there is no shame in asking for help. And if you’re not sure who around you might be struggling, consider assuming that someone is, and treat them accordingly. It is a small shift that can make a real difference.
S outh Jordan City Journal
W
hat if your worst day became your villain origin story? The day you lost your temper at Walmart. The day you kicked the office water cooler. The day you screamed at your partner in the grocery store and became a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. What if your greatest shame or embarrassment became your legacy: forever. I’m afraid we’ve judged Disney villains too harshly. What if they were normal people having a tough day? What if their bad decisions defined them for generations? Take Ursula the Sea Witch. She ran a powerful, women-owned business, granting people their heart’s desire. What did she get? Impaled on the bow of a ship and labeled as a fast-talking, predatory loan officer for eternity. Were her tactics questionable? Of course. But she was also an octopus. What about Snow White’s Evil Queen? She bought into the idea that youth is everything and had a questionable relationship with mirrors, but one poison-laced apple and suddenly she’s a witch. Maleficent’s curse on Sleeping Beauty was an overreaction to not being invited to a baby blessing. Cinderella’s stepmother just wanted Cinderella to do some damn chores. Does that make her evil? Cinderella could have at least unloaded the dishwasher instead of dressing up her mice. Maybe these villains were all having a
S outhJordanJ ournal.com
Welcome to the Dark Side Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But understanding why someone acted badly isn’t the same as excusing that behavior. We’ve all been there. We’ve said things we’ve regretted. We’ve hurt people’s feelings. We’ve done stupid things. Hopefully you didn’t try to skin 101 Dalmatians, but really, who hasn’t wanted a coat as soft as a pile of puppies? Who hasn’t gone all Queen of Hearts and yelled, “Off with his head!” during a stressful work meeting? No one? Just me? Was Beauty’s Gaston intentionally terrible? Maybe his father never taught him to respect women and never scolded him for putting his disgusting feet on the table. His public humiliation seemed to push him into “Kill the Beast” mode, but that’s no excuse for his villainous behavior. The way we treat each other matters. How often have we made someone the villain? The driver who honks immediately after the light turns green was obviously raised
by feral wolves. The woman having a meltdown at Starbucks becomes a “Karen” and is publicly shamed on TikTok. The neighbor who disagrees with you politically becomes your nemesis. And now our bad days can be recorded, posted, commented on by strangers and picked apart by internet trolls before we even figure out what happened. Life feels so prickly. We’re walking around like a cactus, trying not to stab someone in the thigh. I don’t think anyone wakes up and thinks, “I’m going to be an incredible jerk today.” Well, except some politicians. Who hasn’t felt rage, hopelessness or fear? Humans act irrationally. Sometimes we’re exhausted, sometimes we’re at wit’s end or sometimes we just can’t hear our co-worker chew his sandwich for one more minute. We are so quick to judge, so fast to condemn. Trolling has become a favorite pastime for many people, and I don’t mean the ones who live under bridges. I’ve often fallen into the role of villain. I’ve posted rage-bait; I’ve gauged a person’s character by the color of their hat or by the number of American flags stuck to their Ford F-150. We need to remember that everyone is carrying a heavy load, even the people we want to push off the castle. I know I’ve been the villain in someone’s story. Haven’t we all?
Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She also hosts the Life & Laughter podcast. Peri can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com.
October 2026 | Page 23
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